As the final days of 2023 unfold, the world looks forward to the promise of a new year. Yet, for many living amidst conflict, the festivities are tinged with hope for peace rather than celebration. In Ukraine, a 23-year-old volunteer medic shares his heartfelt longing for tranquility after a year marked by turmoil.
“Honestly, I’m already tired. I really want peace. Just peace,” he confides, his weary eyes reflecting the weight of the past months. Despite the allure of New Year’s celebrations, he will be on duty on December 31, committed to aiding those affected by the ongoing strife.
Throughout the year, regions embroiled in conflict have faced immense challenges. Communities in areas such as Ukraine and parts of Asia have endured hardships that overshadow the traditional joy of the season. The medic’s wish resonates with countless others who dream of days where “nothing whistles overhead,” a poignant reference to the sounds of conflict that punctuate their lives.
His aspiration for “tears of happiness” in the coming year is a universal plea—a desire shared by all who long for the end of violence and the return of normalcy. It is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the shared hope that the new year might usher in an era of peace.
As 2024 approaches, the world watches with anticipation. For those in conflict zones, the new year is more than a date on the calendar; it symbolizes the enduring hope for a brighter, more peaceful future.
Reference(s):
Tired: Ukrainian medic hopes 'nothing whistles overhead' in new year
cgtn.com
